ENTRIES have opened for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme, which ranks Ireland’s fastest growing technology companies and recognises indigenous firms which have demonstrated outstanding growth in turnover over the previous four years.
Now in their 20th year, the awards are pitched at companies in sectors including software, hardware, communications, media, clean-tech, and life sciences.
Peter Allen, partner at Deloitte, said: “For two decades these awards have celebrated the success and growth of Ireland’s leading indigenous technology companies, providing a chance for them to demonstrate their excellence and future ambitions.
“It's fantastic to be able to look back and see how some of those appeared on the Fast 50 list in the early days have become global businesses and market leaders are now major employers and shining lights within the Northern Ireland economy.”
One of the few northern companies to have topped the Fast 50, appearing in it 16 out of the 19 years since the ranking’s inception, is Newry-based financial software company First Derivatives.
Last September the stock market-listed business announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs in Newry and in November opened a Belfast office across four floors of the redeveloped Weaving Works building on Ormeau Avenue.
Shane Mulholland, senior vice president of marketing and operations at First Derivatives, said: “We’ve been involved with the Fast 50 programme since it began and have found it to be not only great recognition of every stage of the company’s growth but also a chance to meet peers and like-minded businesses who are striving to be leaders in their own fields.
“The Fast 50 is a great celebration of the entrepreneurial businesses across Ireland and their longevity is a testament to the continued evolution of a robust local technology industry across the island.”
Closing date for entries is September 6 (more details at www.fast50.ie), and winners will be announced on October 25 at a ceremony in Dublin.
